Britain and Peace

Series

Series Name

The March of Time 4th Year

Issue

Issue No.

6

Date Released

1938

Stories in this Issue:

1. 1Britain and Peace
2. 2G-Men of the Sea

Story

Story No. within this Issue

1 / 2

Summary

The March of Time synopsis: A reconstruction of events which are said to have led up to the recent Czechoslovakian crisis, commencing with a reference to Hitler’s ambitions as set out in Mein Kampf. There are smiling pictures of Hitler and Mussolini and of Haile Selassie, received by British Royalty and secure in the confidence that he had the protection of the League of Nations. The course of conflict in China, Abyssinia and Spain is traced, and Hitler’s triumph over the Anschluss. In describing Hitler’s aims the commentary is emphatic in declaring that the one country he had no intention of fighting was Britain, the one country which had nothing to gain and all to lose by engaging in a European conflict. As Britain’s mobilisation for war during the recent crisis is shown, the inference is made that this move acted as a break on Hitler’s path of conquest. While some rush for gas-masks, other members of the British public line the pavements of Downing Street, and others resort to prayer, "to which they ever turn" in times of trouble, we are told. The United States Ambassador to Britain has to step carefully, bearing in mind his country’s desire for neutrality. The British Cabinet turns out to see Mr. Chamberlain depart for Munich. Here the film ends rather abruptly and makes no reference to the meetings which made history in Germany.

Researcher Comments

This story was made for the British edition and was not shown in the USA.

Keywords

Foreign relations; War and conflict

Written sources

The March of Time Promotional Material   Typed Notes, Used for synopsis

Credits:

Production Co.

Time Inc.